Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.
The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
- Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
- Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
- Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
- Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
- Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
- Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network
About The Difference
-
Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.
About You
Essential
- Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
- Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
- Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
- Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
- Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
- Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
- Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people
Desired
- Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
- Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
- Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
- Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
- Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
- Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations
Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings
About Quest for Learning
Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.
We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.
Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.
Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.
This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.
Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.
You’ll have:
- Real ownership and autonomy within your role
- The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
- Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
- Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
- The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
- Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows
We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.
We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.
Role purpose
We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.
This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.
The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.
You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.
Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.
Key responsibilities
Trusts and foundations fundraising
- Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
- Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
- Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
- Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
- Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
- Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
- Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
- Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities
Relationship management and stewardship
- Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
- Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
- Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
- Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships
Organisational Contribution
- Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
- Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
- Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability
Person specification
We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.
Essential
- Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Ability to work independently and proactively
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
- Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
- Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content
Desirable
- Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
- Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
- Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
- Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
- Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
- Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation
What success looks like in this role
Successful performance in this role is likely to include:
- Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
- Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
- Securing significant grant income for the charity
- Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
- Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
- Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth
As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.
Who thrives at Quest for Learning?
People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:
- proactive and solutions-focused
- motivated by meaningful impact
- comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
- excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
- adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation
Working arrangements
- 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
- Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
- Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
- Flexible working patterns can be discussed
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Pension contribution
- TOIL policy
- Supportive and collaborative working culture
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity
Application process
To apply, please submit:
- A CV
- A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification
We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO
Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.
We’re looking for an experienced Project Officer to play a key role in delivering and reporting on a major multi-year funding programme supporting Samaritans’ work across our London region.
You will lead the coordination, administration, and reporting of activity funded through a significant seven-year partnership with City Bridge Foundation. Working closely with senior staff, volunteers, London branches, and external partners and our funder, you’ll ensure projects are effectively delivered, tracked, and evidenced.
This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll bring together data, insights, and updates into clear, compelling reports, while helping shape how Samaritans’ work is delivered and improved collaboratively across London.
Contract Terms
- £34,000-£37,000 per annum plus benefits
- Full time (35 hours per week)
- Permanent
- We are passionate about flexible working—talk to us about your preferences
- Hybrid working with travel to Ewell office and occasional travel to branches and other locations related to the role
- In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We ask you to work in person around 2 days or more per month.
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
What You’ll Be doing
- Set up and manage project management processes, tools, and templates to support delivery of funded activities
- Coordinate quarterly reporting cycles, gathering accurate and timely data from branches and partners
- Produce high-quality quarterly reports, combining insights from across Samaritans into clear updates for City Bridge Foundation
- Monitor progress, identify risks or issues, and escalate where necessary to senior stakeholders
- Maintain accurate financial records, documentation, and audit trails for grant funding
- Act as a key point of contact for London branches and third-party partners, ensuring engagement and alignment
- Organise and facilitate meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions
- Support evidence gathering and sharing of learning to inform future service delivery and outreach development
- Collaborate with internal teams (research, communications, policy, and people teams) to support wider organisational goals
- Contribute to developing London-focused plans, activities, and future funding bids
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience supporting complex, multi-stream projects, including planning, tracking, and reporting
- Strong report writing skills, with attention to detail and the ability to clearly communicate activities, outcomes, and impact
- Experience coordinating meetings and working with a wide range of stakeholders, including volunteers and external partners
- Proactive approach in identifying challenges and solutions, and passion for making a meaningful impact
- Strong organisation skills, with excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom)
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and influence across different groups
- Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
- A bonus if you have experience in the charity sector, working with grant funding, or community-based initiatives
Full Job Description and Person Specification below.
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.
Apply now
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.
Applications close: midnight on Friday 3rd July
1st stage interviews (online): Thursday 16th July
2nd stage interviews (in person KT17 2AF): Wednesday 22nd July
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.